When Vivian Dunstan reached menopause approximately four years ago, she experienced a notable decline in her ability to manage daily tasks. Diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in her 50s, Dunstan found her symptoms exacerbated during this life transition. She reported feeling overwhelmed, having a reduced tolerance for stress, and struggling to balance multiple responsibilities.
“It just feels like that margin I used to have to cope with life has gone,” Dunstan explained. “Everything’s a bit more effort now.” Her situation reflects a broader trend observed in a recent Australian study that involved 600 women diagnosed with ADHD. The findings revealed that nearly all participants—**97 percent**—reported a worsening of their symptoms during menopause.
ADHD has traditionally been linked to hyperactive boys, but it is increasingly recognized in women, who often exhibit more inattentive traits. This shift in understanding highlights a gap in research regarding the impact of hormonal changes on ADHD symptoms in women. According to the study’s lead author, **Elyssa Osianlis**, a PhD candidate at Monash University, addressing this issue could provide critical insights into improving treatment options for affected women.
Hormonal Changes and ADHD Symptoms
The study, set to be published in the **February** edition of the *Journal of Psychiatric Research*, explores how fluctuations in female hormones during different life stages influence ADHD symptoms. **Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich**, a clinical neuropsychologist and co-author of the study, noted that the decline in estrogen levels during menopause can leave the brain vulnerable.
“Our brains adapt, but that transition phase, for many women, is a time of vulnerability,” Gurvich stated. “That’s when it seems to highlight, or perhaps uncover, an ADHD that’s always been there.” The research indicates that hormonal changes not only impact symptoms during menopause but also affect women throughout their lives. More than **70 percent** of surveyed women reported worsened ADHD symptoms after childbirth, while **88 percent** indicated that their symptoms fluctuated with their menstrual cycle. Among these, **74 percent** experienced more severe symptoms during the luteal phase of their cycle.
Future Research Directions
Looking ahead, the next phase of research will involve brain imaging and hormone analysis to develop cognitive profiles of women with ADHD. This effort aims to deepen understanding of the condition and enhance treatment approaches.
Dr. **Kristi Griffiths**, a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of Sydney who was not involved in the study, emphasized the significance of this research. “Typically, research has taken the easier route, which is males with their more steady systems,” she remarked. “Women with ADHD brains are already having to work harder to help them be organized and motivated, but these hormonal changes just add another challenge.”
Dunstan, who founded **ADHD Support Australia** to assist others in navigating their diagnoses, expressed that the research validates the experiences of women who may have received late diagnoses or noticed increased difficulties in midlife. “Women have been thinking, ‘it’s just me,’ and they’re just trying to push themselves harder instead of being a bit kinder to themselves,” she noted.
As awareness grows about the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, studies like this one are essential in paving the way for more effective treatments and support systems tailored to their needs.
